The Dietary Diabetes Risk Reduction Score (DDRRS) and Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) are evidence-based tools for assessing diabetes-preventive and phytochemical-rich diets. Yet, their combined associations with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain underexplored in rural settings. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of DDRRS and DPI with MetS and its components among rural Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from the Fasa Adults Cohort Study (FACS), a large rural Iranian cohort involving 10,138 Iranian adults aged 35–70 years living in rural areas of Fasa County, southern Iran. MetS was defined via the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated 125-item food frequency questionnaire. The DDRRS (range: 8–32) and DPI (percentage of energy from phytochemical-rich foods) were calculated. After adjusting for the most important variables, multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MetS and its components. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were subsequently performed. The MetS prevalence was 38.4%. Participants in the highest DDRRS quartile had 62% lower odds of MetS (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.32–0.45; P-trend 0.05). Higher DDRRS and DPI adherence was inversely associated with MetS in rural Iranian adults, with potential synergistic effects when both are high. These cross-sectional findings highlight promising dietary patterns for further investigation and possible future interventions in comparable settings. Not applicable.
Ghasemi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.